I am a new subscriber to the FML (just signed up last week). I've never been to a show, don't have fuzzies yet, I'm waiting on my NY permit application. Hopefully in a few weeks I 'll have it and can get a pair of fuzzies from one of the area shelters. I have been reading the posts here on the ECE outbreak at the Washington show. My heart goes out to all those who lost beloved fuzzies. You can't change the past and ranting here or elsewhere won't bring your little ones back. But maybe some good can come out of what happened. Instead of finger pointing, how about doing something constructive? Here's my challenge to anyone who'll take up the cause, and try to change the future. Ask yourself (and others, if appropriate), what can be done to minimize risk of ECE at future events? Take up the cause at a local level. Put together a fact sheet on ECE and distribute copies to vet clinics, pet stores, clubs, shelters ,and shows encouraging them to distribute copies to owners. Education is so important in detecting and controlling disease. Contact show / event officials to see if any additional prevention steps can be taken at future events. Find ways to encourage attendees to report sick ferrets, so that owners won't be afraid to report this (they should be thanked for trying to minimize risk to other animals, not criticized for bringing a sick animal.). Have an ECE education seminar at your club,or offer to help hold one at local events. Find out if anyone is doing ECE research/vaccine developement, if not, can we encourage someone to? Would fundraising help? . Any other ideas? The future is in your hands! It's 12:07pm, have you hugged your fuzzy today? [Posted in FML issue 1860]